AltoVolo has unveiled its launch aircraft, Sigma, a three-seater hybrid electric VTOL
Designed to be 80 percent quieter than helicopters and with a 500-mile range and cruise speed of 220mph, Sigma has a ballistic parachute for additional safety when required and a footprint small enough to land on driveways, rooftops or yachts. Its autonomous flight systems are provided by Embention, the Spanish firm who supply certified flight controllers to Amazon Prime Air.
AltoVolo has combined a patent pending tilting electric jet design and integrated aerodynamics to use the high burst capability of batteries for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), and the energy density of liquid fuel for long range flight.
The company said on May 4 that Sigma’s scale prototype flight testing is complete and quick progress is being made towards production of a full-scale demonstrator.
Qualifying customers will be invited to join the waiting list for a launch edition Sigma vehicle in early July.
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